Introduction

Hello, I am Suzuki and I joined the company in November! I interviewed those who joined the company in November 2023 about their first impressions of the company and summarized them in this article. I hope this content will be useful for those who are interested in KINTO Technologies, and serve as a reflection for the members who participated in the interview.

Shirai

• Self-introduction
  I am Shirai from Platform Group, who joined the company in August. I work on designing and building AWS infrastructure. I thought this entry would be interesting, so I decided to participate in it!

• How is your team structured?
  We have two members at the Osaka Tech Lab, and five at the Jimbocho Office in Tokyo, making a total of seven.

• What was your first impression of KINTO Technologies when you joined? Were there any surprises?
  The change from a full remote environment to one where I primarily work onsite (1-2 days per week working from home) was a bit confusing. On the other hand, I now feel that it is easier to discuss things when I'm at work, which leaves me with a positive impression. I had the impression that everyone had strong technical skills. Maybe because I wasn't constantly involved with the infrastructure, at first I was too busy trying to grasp their discussions.

• What is the atmosphere like on site?
  It is very homely! Since I am basically at the office, I can immediately consult with other team members, which is super helpful. In addition, we have introduced Gather, so you can easily go to the person you want to consult with while working from home. I think the reason why we are able to discuss matters easily is that we feel at home and have a good relationship with each other to discuss things outside of work.

• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  I take it as a challenge, as any other thing. I think KINTO Tech Blog has a lot of good articles, and this is a great stepping stone. Actually, I have already written an article on the Advent Calendar titled "Deployment Process in CloudFront Functions and Operational Kaizen", so please have a look!

• Question from November newcomer to another
  

• Are there any clubs or communities within the company where people with similar interests can get together? If so, what clubs do you participate in?
  There are many! Tech Blog also introduced sports clubs! I am participating in the running circle (RUN TO), and E-sports Club, even though they haven't been featured yet.

AKD

• Self-introduction
  I'm AKD from the Operation Process team, Corporate IT Group. I'm the sole member among the November newcomers to be at the Osaka Tech Lab. I work as a Corporate Engineer. It is commonly referred to as the information systems team.

• How is your team structured?
  Our team, consisting of four members, is responsible for on/off boarding, visualizing, and improving processes related to our PCs and various SaaS.

• What was your first impression of KINTO Technologies when you joined? Were there any surprises?
  I initially thought that as an engineering company, there might be limited communication opportunities. However, I've found there are numerous opportunities for communication, including regular study sessions and meetings to review department meeting minutes, which was a good surprise.

• What is the atmosphere like on site?
  I feel that everyone is building a relationship of mutual respect without hesitation in a positive way. The Corporate IT Group comprises members stationed in Muromachi (Tokyo), Jimbocho (Tokyo), Nagoya, and Osaka, organized into five teams. Despite its size, we maintain a constant Zoom channel for communication, where conversations take place across locations and teams, and I believe this fosters a positive atmosphere.

• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  I noticed a previous post in the company, but I thought it was written by only selected people, but I was surprised that everyone is writing! Also, it is simple, but I like it because it has a sense of a peer group.

• Question from November newcomer to another
  

• After a month at the Osaka Tech Lab, could you share your impressions of the atmosphere you've experienced?
  It is a highly inclusive environment with a welcoming atmosphere for anyone, from people who briefly come here on business trips to new hires.

SSU

• Self-introduction
  This is SSU from KINTO ONE Development Group. As a web director, I am responsible for the web direction of DX projects on Toyota dealerships.

• How is your team structured?
  I am a member of the DX Planning team within the Owned Media & Incubation Development Group. Our team's mission is to provide a wide range of mobility solutions to customers by addressing the bottlenecks within Toyota dealerships through the power of IT. There are seven members in total: two producers, three directors, and two designers.

• What was your first impression of KINTO Technologies when you joined? Were there any surprises?
  My first impression is that there are more young people and more freedom compared to the stereotypical image of the automotive industry.

• What is the atmosphere like on site?
  It's only been a month since I joined the company, but I feel that the DX Planning team is filled with distinct personalities and everyone brings their own uniqueness to the table. I think our team's strength lies in these differences because they allow us to notice what might be overlooked when we work on a project together, whether through individual communication or in meetings.

• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  I thought my first time blogging had finally arrived.

• Question from November newcomer to another
  

• What is your favorite emoji from the KINTO Technologies' Slack Workspace?
  I like the mushroom emoji running with a determined face.

kiki

• Self-introduction
  I am Kiki from Human Resources Group. I participate in the hiring process as well as the Tech Blog operations project team.

• How is your team structured?
  The HR team is currently made up of 6 people (as of December 2023) including myself. We have members with diverse personalities, and everyone takes an interest in each other's work. Together, we work diligently and are actively involved in recruitment tasks on a daily basis.

• What was your first impression of KINTO Technologies when you joined? Were there any surprises?
  I thought the organization was flatter and more open than I expected. Perhaps it's because of my role in HR, but I've noticed that discussions seldom hinge on who said something, but rather on a "what is the best course right now" perspective for moving the team forward. On my second week of joining the company, I participated in the information sharing meeting of the Osaka Tech Lab, and I have the impression that there are many warm people who welcomed me like friends right away!

• What is the atmosphere like on site?
  In order to create an easy-to-talk space, we often engage in small talk. It is an environment where you can stay tuned to what's happening within the organization and among its people. I was quite reserved for the first two weeks after joining the company, as I was still getting acquainted. However, given my prior experience in recruiting, I appreciate this atmosphere where I can easily discuss any questions I may have, such as "What’s happening here?" at any time.

• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  Simply, "happy!". The team members of the Tech Blog project team have also been in touch since the first month of us joining the company. I haven't been active in external communication, so I worry a bit about potential problematic statements. However, I enjoy writing, and I see it as a valuable space for exploration.

• Question from November newcomer to another
  

• How do you relieve stress?
  I listen to rock music, a genre I don't usually listen to much. Franz Ferdinand and Yoru no Honki Dance are particularly enjoyable. Also, I came across an article suggesting that doing funny dances at home is good for relieving stress, so I've been trying to dance at home where others can't see me. (Highly recommended!)

Y.Suzuki

• Self-introduction
  I am Suzuki from Project Promotion Group. I am in charge of front-end engineering at KINTO FACTORY.

• How is your team structured?
  Although there are some service providers and people working in other divisions, the team is made up of KINTO Technologies' members from management to implementation. Among them, the front-end team currently consists of six members, with another new member joining in December.

• What was your first impression of KINTO Technologies when you joined? Were there any surprises?
  Before joining the company, I thought it would be a more formal environment due to the higher average age and the nature of being a business corporation. But when I joined the company, there was plenty of flat communication and a lot of openness to new initiatives and things that seemed interesting. I found the environment to be filled with individuals who were older and held higher positions than myself who were more playful and inquisitive while utilizing their experience, and who successfully balanced being casual with maturity. Since my previous job was mainly work from home, I thought I would have a hard time commuting to work. However, I've found that I can easily adapt to the environment, and that I actually really enjoy the hybrid work style😳

• What is the atmosphere like on site?
  There were many things I didn't understand at first, so I thought I had to build a relationship where we could easily talk to each other. This is why less than a week after I joined the company, I tried having "Nerunerunerune" (a candy you make) at my desk. I have been chatting and smiling with everyone, and recently, I have been eating Mandarin oranges together with my team members while talking about work. In about 2 weeks upon joining, when I expressed during one-on-one meetings and meals that I could do other things besides engineering, I was told , "There aren't many people who can do that, so I'll ask if I can make good use of it." I am currently looking to expand my work beyond front-end work to improve the product! If the timing is right, we have lunch together when we come to work, and I find that there are many opportunities to communicate beyond work.

• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  I had the impression that blogs for engineers focus on technology, meaning that much of the content already exists, requiring extensive verification and making it challenging to write, even when deciding on a subject in the first place. But this time, it was a simple entry, so I thought I could provide some useful information to those interested in KINTO Technologies.

• Question from November newcomer to another department member
  

• What is the most enjoyable moment at your work?
  I find joy in getting inquiries, even about the simplest things. Although I have only been with the company for a short time, I am glad to know that there are aspects where colleagues can rely on me and that there are tasks I can contribute to. I am trying to absorb more from others that I can respect, in order to broaden the range of things I can do.

T.F

• Self-introduction
  I am T.F from the Project Promotion Group. I am in charge of the back-end of KINTO ONE used car.

• How is your team structured?
  Front-end, Back-end, and BFF (backend for frontend) are handled by employees and subcontractors, respectively.

• What was your first impression of KINTO Technologies when you joined? Were there any surprises?
  I was surprised that could get paid holidays as soon as I joined the company. I'm thinking of moving to a new place soon, so it would be helpful for that.

• What is the atmosphere like on site?
  There are many friendly people here. The atmosphere is conducive to asking questions and making suggestions.

• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  It is a strange feeling to transition from being a reader before joining the company to being a writer.

• Question from November newcomer to another department member
  

• What were your duties during your first month in the company?
  I've just joined the company so I'm only doing simple tasks so far. I did smaller development, code reviews, and estimates for projects that are scheduled to begin on a full scale next year. I am working behind the scenes to incorporate domain-driven design, clean architecture, among other things.

A.N

• Self-introduction
  I am A.N from the Common Service Development Group. I am a Product Manager for the membership platform underlying KINTO ID.

• How is your team structured?
  There are six members (including subcontractors)

• What was your first impression of KINTO Technologies when you joined? Were there any surprises?
  I caught a cold from the first day of joining the company, and I had to take off on the third day, but I was able to receive sick leave from my first month, which was a great help.

• What is the atmosphere like on site?
  I think it also depends on each manager's policy, but the atmosphere here is respectful of the freedom of each member. Everyone is an expert, so they act autonomously.

• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  I am afraid it will have some impact on the company's public relations.

• Question from November newcomer to another department member
  

• KINTO Technologies has a Slack channel for hobbies and activities outside of work. Is there anything you are interested in?
  Just today, I learnt about this channel where every morning when I come to work I just comment "Good Morning!" It is a mystery why such a channel was created, but it is soothing because everyone participating seems to be having fun.

F.T

• Self-introduction
  I am F.T from the Mobile App Development Group. I am in charge of the Unlimited app for Android.

• How is your team structured?
  The Android team consists of 5 members, including myself.

• What was your first impression of KINTO Technologies when you joined? Were there any surprises?

  • I was surprised that there was a thorough orientation, despite being a mid-career hire.
  • I found it amazing how few boundaries are (both physical and psychological) between teams in the office.
    • (e.g. study sessions with Android developers, communication regardless of OS or assignments people are in charge of)

• What is the atmosphere like on site?
  There is a lot of time to work in silence. However, there is a friendly atmosphere where you can ask questions immediately when you need help.

• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  I was full of anxiety.

• Question from November newcomer to another department member
  

• After a month with the company, what do you think is the best thing about joining this company?

  • As an engineer, I am honestly happy to be working in an environment filled with high-skilled professionals.
  • Many are multi-talented and I learn a lot from them even about things unrelated to work.

W.Song

• Self-introduction
  My name is W. Song from the Data Engineering team at Data Analytics Group. I am mainly responsible for data linkage.

• How is your team structured?
  We are four total including the team leader and members.

• What was your first impression of KINTO Technologies when you joined? Were there any surprises?
  It's great that there are bookshelves in the office. There are many popular books and I feel that everyone is highly motivated to learn. In fact, it may be my own assumption rather than the surprise or gap. I had seen pictures of the Office before I joined, especially the one of the junction, which looked very stylish. I thought it was a free address office.

• What is the atmosphere like on site?
  I think I can speak slowly. Although everyone was busy, they provided me with detailed explanations. I really appreciate it. I feel that this is the first environment in a long time where we can communicate a lot.

• How did you feel about writing a blog post?
  I think it is a really great output method. I feel that I can not only promote myself but also connect with people who share similar concerns and ideas, and potentially make friends.

• Question from November newcomer to another department member
  

• What has changed since joining KINTO Technologies?

  • My interest in cars is deepening.
  • I come to work three times a week, so I should be thinner than before.
  • The impression of this emoji 😇 has changed a lot. I used to use this phrase often because I thought it meant "Happy, I did it, it went well," but I was surprised to find out that it actually meant "I'm screwed, I'm finished."

Conclusion

Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts in the midst of your busy schedule right after joining the company! The number of new members of KINTO Technologies is increasing day by day. I hope you look forward to more articles about our new members joining the company, assigned to various divisions.

Furthermore, KINTO Technologies is seeking individuals who can collaborate across various divisions and occupations! For more information, please click here.